Background There is growing evidence of the increased number of young adults (YA) living with life-limiting conditions in Scotland (ChiSP Study, 2015), as well as evidence of their unmet needs and poorer outcomes (Care Quality Commission, 2014). As a result adult hospices have been challenged to acknowledge the role they have in supporting YA and their families (Together for Short Lives, 2013). To support the above transitions the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH) recognised the need to ensure their staff had the appropriate knowledge, skills and competence to support YA and their families. Recognising a gap in these areas the hospice sought potential support and collaboration with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Aims

1. Develop and support hospice staff to deliver a high standard of care to YA and their families, identifying gaps requiring further training and education

2. Establish relationships and trust between children and adult hospice services, YA and their families

3. To inform the development of the hospice service model.

Methods

• Provision of joint workshops to identify staff’s anxieties and learning needs around YA care

• Development of 18 month seconded programme to CHAS open to all hospice staff

• Post-secondment evaluation informed by feedback from workbook; staff questionnaire, 1:1 and group reflection.

Results To date 13 clinical and non-clinical staff have taken part in the secondment programme.

• All staff have reported a greater understanding of the needs of YA with increased confidence and empowerment to meet these

• Greater relationship and trust with YA and their families resulting in increased referrals

• Greater opportunity to engage with YA and their families which has informed the development of the YA Service Model.

Conclusion This partnership working has been an effective way of influencing and managing change. Directly impacting on patient and family experience, staff skills and confidence and co-production of a service model.